Quilting Makes Me Happy

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   
Recently I was asked why we are not open in the evening.  While there isn't enough traffic to staff the shop till 8pm, we do offer after-hour appointments.   Call us at 651-429-1039 if you or your group would like to schedule an evening appointment.  

I want to thank the Ladies Of The Lake Quilt Guild for the opportunity to present, and demo, my favorite quilting notions and share some of the newest samples from the shop on Tuesday, June 14th.  It is always so much fun to get out of the shop and talk to everyone in the groups.  If your guild would like for me to do a presentation, e-mail me  at quilt@affinityforquilts.com.   

Have you and your friends registered for the Metro Section Quilt Minnesota Buses?  
There are three convenient locations to begin your journey;  for our northern quilters the bus will be leaving from Country Loft Quilt and Design, 15161 Feller St NE, Columbus, MN 55025, for our central quilters the bus will be leaving from the Roseville Walmart, 1960 Twin Lakes Pkwy, Roseville, MN 55113, and for our southern quilters the bus will be leaving from Quilt Cove, 1960 Cliff Lake Rd #134, St Paul, MN 55122.  Choose a Friday, July 29th, or Saturday, July 30th, bus adventure.  At $54.99, your bus ticket is cheaper than a tank of gas!   

For your convenience Affinity For Quilts will be manning the phone Monday - Sunday 9am-9pm for your sign-up convenience.  Give us a call today to reserve your spot, and your departure location, for this fun quilting adventure at 651-429-1039.  
Hot off the press....I am so excited to let everyone know that we have received our copies of Doug Leko's latest book!  Tabletastic! 3 is the 3rd, and final, of a Trio of Table Runner and Topper books from Antler Quilt Design. Within it's pages you will find 14 new Table Runner and 6 new Toppers patterns.  Each Project is shown in 2 different colorways and is great for using up your precuts and scraps! The full color book also comes with a metal spiral binding that will lay nice and flat while you use it.
I have a beautiful new sample to share with you this week!  Criss Cross Kisses was designed by Robin Pickens and uses her fabric line Tulip Tango from Moda Fabrics.  Our sample, and kits, are for the lap size quilt measuring 63-1/2" x 63-1/2" and are available for $85.99.  
Are you ready for BBQ season?  I know I am!  Best BBQ Ever from Michael Miller Fabric will definitely help you get ready for the grilling season.
What is this????  A Christmas themed sewing holiday line!  Happiness is Homemade was designed by Jean Ruth for QT fabrics.  The line features Gingerbread Men and Christmas Trees with spools of thread and buttons, handmade ornaments on a cream or red background, and the star on top of the tree is the cream colored sewing machine patches.  What projects of sugarplums are dancing in your head with this unique holiday line?
Robin Davis Studio gives us this vintage looking collection of  Postcard Christmas from Clothworks Fabrics.  If anyone has vintage postcards from their Grandmother then this collection is a definite blast from the past!
If you are unable find an item you are looking for, talk to any Affinity For Quilts team member and we will do our best to order it for you.  We wish we could carry all your quilting needs, but items that are not basic sometimes need to be special ordered.  
Classroom Space
Our classroom space is currently open.  If your group would like a place to meet please contact Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039.  Evening meeting space is available; however, there will be a fee that will need to be negotiable with the shop for evening meetings.

COVID-19
Per the CDC COVID is now an endemic vs a pandemic. This means that, while some people would still get infected, it wouldn't be an unbearable number with devastating consequences that overwhelms the public, hospital systems and providers.  The seasonal flu, or influenza, is an example of an endemic virus. We will continue to monitor the COVID situation; however, masks are still a great way to stop the spread of this disease.  If you have not been vaccinated please wear a mask when in the shop.  At the current time it is employee choice if they want to mask or not.

Reoccurring Store Specials
  • 1st Tuesday of each month - Double Punch Tuesday
  • 2nd Monday of each month - Freebie Monday
  • 3rd Wednesday of each month - FQ Wednesday - Buy 6 Get 7th Free
  • 4th Friday of each month - Take an extra 10% off all Sale Wall Fabrics

Sewing Machine Service
Is your sewing machine in need of tune-up or repair?  If so, Jordan is on site to assist you with all of your machine needs.  When bringing your machine in for service, include the sewing machine, foot control, power cord, standard zig-zag foot if your machine sews a zig zag stitch, bobbin case, bobbin and thread.  Jordan can be reached at  612-275-3356 if you would like to speak to him directly or to make an appointment. He is currently offering curbside pickup and delivery.


The Quilting For Affinity Group
Share your finished projects!  Join the "Quilting For Affinity" Facebook group to share your work and be inspired by others. Just click here, and you will be taken to the Facebook group.  Select 'join group' and you will be added.  It's that easy!  

 
Tip of the Week!
Affinity For Quilts Tip of the Week:  Do you precut your binding for a project?  If so place the binding into a storage bag with the name of the quilt on it.  Do not close the bag 100%, you want to leave a small opening so the material will get a little air.  Write the name of your quilt project on the bag.  Keep the bag with your project, or hang it in your closet with the backing fabric until you are ready to finish your quilt.  
Just a reminder if you have a tip you would like to share with our readers just e-mail Diana at quilt@affinityforquilts.com.  
Classes and Events
In order to give all of our customers the opportunity to take classes we will be requesting payment at the time of registration.  If you need to cancel, we ask for notification 7 days prior to the class date so we can offer your spot to someone on our wait list and refund your registration fee.  Thanks so much for your understanding of this policy change and happy quilting everyone.

When you sign up for a class at Affinity For Quilts you will receive information about the class including any supplies needed for the class and often a few things that need to be completed before the day of the class.  Be sure to read through the supply/class prep list to ensure you have everything you need for a really wonderful class experience.  If you sign up and pay by phone, not to worry, we can email you all of the information you need for a successful class experience. 

Even if an event is filled, please add your name to the wait list.  The wait list is used to see how popular the event is and if we should schedule another class; or, if someone can not attend then we will call the first person on the wait list to see if they what that spot.   

You can register and pay for classes in person at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota or by phone at 651-429-1039.
 
Laura Heine Teeny-Tiny Collage Class

Join us for this super fun day of fabric collage-making! During this all-day class you will learn how to assemble one of Laura Heine's whimsical Teeny Tiny collages. These fun projects are great for using up those special bits of fabric that you have been saving and just can't part with. The results are beautiful and the possibilities are endless!

Date:  Thursday, June 16, 2022
Time:  10:00am - 4:00pm
Class Fee:  $45.00
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Beginning Sashiko

Learn the art of Sashiko with a small pre-printed project that is perfect for beginner students.  This stitch method can be used in the traditional way to mend cloth items or to add texture and interest to a new projects. Students will be learning Sashiko using four preprinted coasters. One project to get started on endless fun. Supplies are few to try this addictive hobby. Join us!


Date:  June 18, 2022
Time:  9:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm
Class Fee:  $20.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry

A Midsummers Day's Dream Sale

Looking to have a little fun on Saturday night, June 18?  Then head into Downtown White Bear Lake for their Midsummers Night's Dream from 5pm-8pm.  There will be live music by Sycamore Gap, Amazing Jugglers, Balloon Artistry, and a Scavenger Hunt at participating shops.

Because Affinity For Quilts did not want our customers to miss out on all the fun, since we close at 5pm!  We have decided to do a special Midsummers Day's Dream Sale.   Stop in during our normal store hours, 9am-5pm, to receive:
  • 15% off all bolt fabric cuts and pre-cuts
  • 10% off all kits
  • 10% off our already discounted sale fabric wall
Be sure to register for our prize drawing.  You may be a winner!!!

1st Place:  Gift Box filled with goodies
2nd Place:  A copy of Doug Leko's newest Book Tabletastic! 3
3rd Place:  $20 Affinity For Quilts Gift Certificate

Date:  Saturday, June 18, 2022
Time:  9am-5pm

Boro Sashiko

Join Tammy for the Boro Sashiko class.  In this class you will combine your fabric scraps with Sashiko embroidery to create beautiful textile art. This is a great way for quilters to put  favorite leftover bits of fabric to use. This will be a raw edge, hand sewn project. You will learn about creating variations too! Gather your fabric scraps, scissors and embroidery supplies and begin creating using the Japanese tradition of Boro Sashiko.  No Sashiko stitching experience necessary. 

Date: June 23, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm or 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry 

Midnight Open Sew

Are you ready to spend a night quilting with friends?  Join Diana as she hosts our monthly Midnight Open Sew.  This month we will be having Burgers and/or Brats in Wade's famous beer sauce, homemade baked beans, chips with French Onion Dip,  and the Strawberry Pretzel Dessert.

Date:   Friday, June 24, 2022 
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Class Fee:  $20.00
Sew-In-Sunday

Are you ready to spend the day quilting with friends?  Bring your own project(s) to work on and spend the day sewing!  Dinner will be served at 5pm and the menu will feature Burgers and/or Brats in Wade's famous beer sauce, homemade baked beans, chips with French Onion Dip,  and the Strawberry Pretzel Dessert.

Date:   Sunday, June 26, 2022  
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Class Fee:  $20.00
Sashiko Stitching Club

The Sashiko Stitching Club includes an exclusive project each month, only available to Club members.  During this time you will be able to work on your own individual projects and get tips and pointers from other stitchers, and our beloved and talented instructor Tammy Berry. Participants will also receive a 15% discount for their Sashiko supplies, and fabric purchases.  Discount excludes: Thread, Notions and Quilt MN fabrics.

Be sure to call today to reserve your spot in this fun and exciting club!

Date:  Wednesday, July 13, 2022               
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $10.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Graphing A Sashiko Pattern  -  The Stocking

During the first half of this class students will learn to graph the Circular Seven Treasures Pattern used for the Christmas stocking. The second part of the class will focus on stitching without every stitch pre-marked on the project. It’s exciting to be able to mark and stitch on any fabric of your choice. The stocking is a great size for conquering this next step in your stitching Sashiko adventures.

Sashiko experience is required for this class.

Date:  July 16, 2022
Time:  9:00am-1:00pm
Class Fee:  $25.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry

Layered Diamonds Bargello Class

A bargello quilt is made of fabrics sewn together to create the look of movement. These types of quilts look quite difficult to create however, with Sue's knowledge and teaching style all levels of quilters will enjoy this class. The pattern chosen is Layered Diamonds from Pine Tree Country Quilts and its' finished size is 43"x56"

Precutting and labeling are required for this all day class.
There will be a half hour break for lunch.

Date: Wednesday July 20, 2022
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Class Fee:  $50.00
Instructor: Sue Severiano 
Binding Class

In this instructional class we will work on pre-quilted fabric to master binding your quilts. You will leave this class ready to finish all of your quilts with a beautiful, professional-looking binding!  This class is intended for students new to binding a quilt and those looking for a refresher binding class.  The class fee includes pre-quilted fabric and binding fabric.

Date:  Thursday, July 21, 2022
Time:  1:00pm-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $25.00
Instructor:  Katie Glancy

Quilt Minnesota 2022 - July 29, 2022 thru August 20, 2022
Quilt Minnesota Countdown - Only 44 days till July 29th

Quilt Minnesota 2022 fabric is now available for pre-order.  Here at Affinity For Quilts we do not require a deposit for your order and the website (www.affinityforquilts.com) is set up with a $0.00 price for Quilt Minnesota fabrics and pre-cuts.  Payment processing will not begin until July 25, 2022.    You will find a complete price list of the Quilt Minnesota Fabric line in the description area of each fabric.  If you prefer to pre-order Quilt Minnesota 2022 fabrics in person just stop into the store and talk to any sales associate. 
Affinity For Quilts Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat

Grab your quilting friends and join Diana for a fun filled weekend as we host our first Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat since the onset of COVID.  This weekend will be nothing short of fun and will include: 
  • A Gift Bag for each Attendee
  • Great Door Prizes
  • Make-It-Take-It project each day of the retreat 
  • Short product demo each day 
  • A Fun Quilting game after lunch each day; with prizes
  • In Store Shopping Discounts for retreat participants
  • Catering by Manitou Grill with Pizza and Salad on Friday night and Salad, Mushroom and Herb Chicken or Pot Roast with Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and Amaretto Butter Green Beans and a Molten Caramel Drizzle Brownie for dessert
Unlike past retreats there is a deadline for registration as the event center needs a final headcount by a specific date.  If you are interested in attending the retreat you must register by  Saturday, September 24, 2022. Late registrations will not be accepted; however, we can place you on a wait list in case of a cancellation.   We are requesting a 30% deposit upon registration with full payment by September 24, 2022.  Deposit for Friday/Saturday would be $52.50 and for Saturday only would be $37.50.  Also please indicate your food preference; the Mushroom Herb Chicken or Pot Roast upon calling in your registration. 

Only three places remain available.  


Dates/Time:  Friday, October 14, 2022 10:00am - 10:00pm
                     Saturday, October 15, 2022 9:00am - 10:00pm
Location:  Ballroom of Manitou Event Center, 2171 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN  55110
Retreat Fee:  $175.00 for Friday and Saturday
                      $125.00 Saturday only
Thank you for your continued support, you are appreciated more than words can ever express.

Stay well and happy quilting everyone.   Remember, you cannot keep a good quilter down.

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